In a world where architecture has the power to shape communities, Mingxun (Gary) Ma, winner of The Graduate category at the 2024 INDE.Awards, stands out for his compassionate and forward-thinking approach. Through his award-winning project, Ma addresses the intersection of homelessness, ageing, and climate resilience in Shepparton, Victoria.
Rethinking Shelter: A Conversation with Mingxun (Gary) Ma
As part of the Speaking Out! series for the 2025 , we had the opportunity to speak with Mingxun (Gary) Ma about his pioneering work. Supported by , the sponsor of the Graduate category at this year’s INDE.Awards, this interview sheds light on Ma’s commitment to socially responsible architecture. Ma’s final-year project at the University of Melbourne presents an innovative multi-phase housing design tailored for elderly individuals experiencing homelessness. Located within the Goulburn River floodplain, his project combines flood resilience, sustainable materials, and community integration to create not just shelter but a sense of belonging.
The Inspiration Behind the Project
Shepparton’s devastating 2022 floods served as a catalyst for Ma’s work. Witnessing the widespread displacement firsthand, he questioned how architecture could mitigate such crises. However, a pivotal moment came during his site visit, where he encountered elderly homeless individuals living under bridges by the riverbank. “It was deeply moving,” Ma reflects. “I couldn’t imagine how anyone could survive in such conditions, especially in today’s world.”
His design is rooted in empathy and an understanding of the broader social factors that contribute to homelessness. “Homelessness isn’t just about a lack of shelter; it’s about connection, dignity, and resilience,” he explains.
A Vision for the Future
Ma’s proposed solution is a flood-resilient senior housing community, incorporating locally sourced recycled materials and sustainable construction techniques such as hempcrete. His design features elevated open spaces on the ground level, minimising flood damage while allowing for quick recovery post-flooding.
While the full realisation of his project remains uncertain, Ma believes its principles can be applied to real-world developments. “Elements like flood-adaptive design and sustainable materials could easily be integrated into future housing projects,” he says.
The Impact of Recognition
Winning The Graduate category at the INDE.Awards has been a transformative experience for Ma, reinforcing his belief in the power of design as a tool for social change. “This recognition has been an incredible honour,” he shares. “It has inspired me to keep pushing boundaries and exploring architecture’s role in addressing social challenges.”
Looking Ahead
As Ma continues his architectural journey, his work serves as a testament to how design can address urgent societal issues. His project challenges conventional notions of housing, demonstrating that architecture is not just about structures but about fostering resilient, inclusive communities.
We extend our gratitude to Mingxun (Gary) Ma for sharing his insights and to Colorbond for supporting The Graduate category at the 2025 INDE.Awards. To hear more about Ma’s work and other groundbreaking projects, check out the full interview .
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